Imaging apparatus including function for performing imaging in accordance with sets of imaging parameters corresponding to pre-registered imaging scenes, and method and recording medium having program stored thereon for the same

ABSTRACT

When a continuous imaging mode is set, a screen is displayed for allowing input of a number of images to shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images, a determination is made as to whether the number of images to shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images have been input by the user. When the number of images to shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images have been input, the input number of images and the imaging parameters are stored, and a direct image display is started. Moreover, when there is an imaging instruction, a continuous imaging process is started in which still imaging is performed continuously based on the stored number of images and the imaging parameters. When the continuous imaging process has been completed, the plurality of still image data, obtained with differing imaging parameters, is recorded.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 11/974,732 filed Oct. 16,2007, which application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.2006-281656 filed Oct. 16, 2006 and Japanese Patent Application No.2006-355942 filed Dec. 28, 2006, the contents of all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an imaging apparatus, acontinuous imaging method, and a recording medium for recording aprogram, and more specifically, the present invention relates to animaging apparatus that performs continuous still imaging, a continuousimaging method that performs continuous still imaging, and a recordingmedium for recording a program that performs continuous still imaging.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the prior art, there are imaging apparatus, such as digital cameras,provided with autobracket (autobracketing) functions that enablecontinuous imaging at each step while stepwise or incrementally changingpredetermined imaging parameter set values, such as exposure levels,such as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAIPublication No. 2005-354165.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the prior art autobracketing function, the imagingparameters that are varied during imaging are limited to predeterminedimaging parameters, such as exposure levels, so that the changes inimage quality between the plurality of images obtained as a result ofimaging are no more than monotonic changes based thereon. As a result,it is not possible for a user to obtain a plurality of images with morediverse changes in image quality.

Moreover, when one considers the benefits of the autobracket function,it is desirable to provide a plurality of modes with different imagingparameters wherein there are stepwise or incremental changes in thesetting values, and to be able to select, in advance of the bracketingimaging, the imaging parameters for which there are stepwise changes inthe setting values. However, in such a case, it is not possible for auser who lacks a certain degree of knowledge regarding cameras andphotography, etc., to determine which of the imaging parameters would beeffective to change, and thus such a user would not be able to use theautobracket function effectively.

The present invention provides a unique solution to the disadvantages ofthe prior art autobracketing functions and an object thereof is toprovide an imaging apparatus, and still imaging program, capable ofsignificantly increasing the ease-of-use when performing bracketingimaging.

An imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes:

imaging sections for imaging a subject;

continuous shooting control sections for controlling the imagingsections so as to image a plurality of still images at differenttimings;

a setting section for setting each of the imaging parameters for imagingeach of the still images;

a recording section for recording image data; and

a recording control section for controlling the recording, by therecording section, of each image data obtained by imaging each stillimage with different timing, by the imaging sections through the controlof the continuous shooting control sections. The continuous shootingcontrol sections image multiple still images with different timing basedon the respective different imaging parameters set by the settingsection.

A continuous imaging method in accordance with the present inventionincludes:

setting each of the imaging parameters for still imaging a plurality oftimes;

performing imaging of multiple still images, with different timing,based on the respective different imaging parameters set by the settingstep; and

controlling each image data obtained by each still imaging performedwith different timings.

A recording medium for recording a program in accordance with thepresent invention, that causes a computer having an imaging apparatusincluding imaging sections for imaging a subject and a recording sectionfor recording image data, to perform the functions of:

setting a plurality of imaging parameters when the imaging sectionsimages the subject;

performing continuous shooting control such that the imaging sectionimages multiple still images with different timing based on therespective different, set imaging parameters; and

controlling the recording, by the recording section, of each image dataobtained by imaging each still image with different timing, by theimaging sections through the control of the continuous shooting.

A second embodiment of an imaging apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention includes:

a parameter recording section for recording a plurality of imagingparameters corresponding to a plurality of imaging scenes registered inadvance;

single-shot control sections for controlling single-shot imaging basedon an imaging parameter corresponding to a single imaging scene,recorded in the parameter recording section;

a selection section for selecting a plurality of imaging scenes from theplurality of imaging scenes;

a generation section for generating new imaging parameters based on aplurality of an imaging parameter corresponding respectively to aplurality of imaging scenes selected by the selection section;

continuous shooting control sections for controlling continuous shootingimaging based on the plurality of an imaging parameter generated by thegeneration section; and

an image recording control section for controlling the recording of astill image obtained by the imaging sections during single-shot imagingby the single-shot control sections and a plurality of still imagesobtained by the imaging sections during continuous shooting by thecontinuous shooting control sections.

A second embodiment of a continuous imaging method in accordance withthe present invention for an imaging apparatus having imaging sectionsfor imaging a subject and a parameter recording section for recording aplurality of sets of imaging parameters corresponding to each of aplurality of imaging scenes registered in advance, includes:

controlling single-shot imaging based on an imaging parametercorresponding to a single imaging scene, stored in the parameterrecording section;

selecting a plurality of imaging scenes from the plurality of imagingscenes;

generating new imaging parameter based on a plurality of imagingparameters corresponding respectively to a plurality of selected imagingscenes;

controlling continuous shooting imaging based on the plurality ofgenerated imaging parameters; and

controlling the recording of a still image obtained by the imagingsections during single-shot imaging and a plurality of still imagesobtained by the imaging sections during continuous shooting imaging.

A second embodiment of a recording medium for recording a program inaccordance with the present invention, that causes a computer having animaging apparatus including imaging sections for imaging a subject, aparameter recording section for recording a plurality of imagingparameters corresponding to each of a plurality of imaging scenesregistered in advance, and a selection section for selecting a pluralityof imaging scenes from the plurality of imaging scenes, to perform thefunctions of:

controlling single-shot imaging based on an imaging parametercorresponding to a single imaging scene, stored in the parameterrecording section;

generating new imaging parameter based on a plurality of imagingparameters corresponding respectively to a plurality of selected imagingscenes;

controlling continuous shooting imaging based on the plurality ofgenerated imaging parameters; and

controlling the recording of a still image obtained by the imagingsections during single-shot imaging and a plurality of still imagesobtained by the imaging sections during continuous shooting imaging.

A third embodiment of an imaging apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention, includes:

imaging sections for imaging a subject;

a parameter recording section for recording a plurality of combinationsof first and second imaging parameter corresponding to an imaging scene;

a selection control section for allowing the user to select any givenimaging scene from the plurality of imaging scenes;

single-shot control sections for controlling single-shot imaging basedon a first imaging parameter corresponding to an imaging scene selectedby a user using the selection control section and recorded in theparameter recording section;

continuous shooting control sections for controlling bracketing imagingbased on a second imaging parameter corresponding to an imaging sceneselected by a user using the selection control section, recorded in theparameter recording section; and

an image storing control section for controlling the recording of astill image obtained by the imaging sections during single-shot imagingby the single-shot control sections and a plurality of still imagesobtained by the imaging sections during bracketing imaging by thecontinuous shooting control sections.

A third embodiment of a continuous shooting method in accordance withthe present invention for an imaging apparatus having imaging sectionsfor imaging a subject and a parameter recording section for recording aplurality of first and second imaging parameters corresponding to eachof a plurality of imaging, includes:

allowing the user to select any given imaging scene from the pluralityof imaging scenes;

controlling single-shot imaging based on a first imaging parametercorresponding to an imaging scene selected by a user and recorded in theparameter recording section;

controlling bracketing imaging based on a second imaging parametercorresponding to an imaging scene selected by a user and stored in theparameter recording section;

controlling the recording of a still image obtained by the imagingsections during single-shot imaging and a plurality of still imagesobtained by the imaging sections during bracketing shooting imaging.

A third embodiment of a recording medium for recording a program inaccordance with the present invention, that causes a computer having animaging apparatus including imaging sections for imaging a subject and aparameter recording section for recording a plurality of first andsecond imaging parameters corresponding to each of a plurality ofimaging, to perform the functions of:

controlling single-shot imaging based on a first imaging parametercorresponding to an imaging scene selected by a user and stored in theparameter recording section;

controlling bracketing imaging based on a second imaging parametercorresponding to an imaging scene selected by a user and recorded in theparameter recording section;

controlling the recording of a still image obtained by the imagingsections during single-shot imaging and a plurality of still imagesobtained by the imaging sections during bracketing imaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These objects and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent upon reading of the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the operationof a digital camera in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates the imaging parameter data of each imaging scenerecorded in the memory in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B illustrates appended information data of each imaging scenerecorded in the memory in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C illustrates the situation when displaying the imaging scene;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the operationof a digital camera in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the operationof a digital camera in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating stored data in internalmemory;

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the content of selectionlimitation data;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the content of group data;

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the content of scenedetermination data;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of theoperation, in best-shot mode, of a digital camera in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a single-shot imagingprocess in the best-shot mode;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the manual selection process whenthe use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best-shotmode;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the group selection process whenthe use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best-shotmode;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating the automatic selection processwhen the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in thebest-shot mode;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the details of operationwhen the manual selection process is performed;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the details of operationwhen the group selection process is performed;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative operation of adigital camera in accordance with the invention when the use of thecontinuous shooting function is selected in the best-shot mode;

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of imagingparameters corresponding to a base scene and a composite scene, imagingparameters that are produced and imaging parameters used duringcontinuous imaging;

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an alternative detail ofbracketing data; and

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative operation of adigital camera in accordance with the invention when the use of thecontinuous shooting function is selected in the best-shot mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of imaging apparatus in accordance with the inventionwill be described in detail, referencing the accompanying drawingswherein a digital camera is used as an example of an imaging apparatus.

First Embodiment Structure of the Digital Camera

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical schematicstructure of a digital camera 1 that embodies the imaging apparatus inaccordance with the present invention. The digital camera 1 is providedwith an imaging lens 2, a lens driving block 3, a CCD 4, a driver 5, atiming generator (TG) 6, a unit circuit 7, an image generating unit 8, acentral processing unit (CPU) 9, a key input unit 10, a memory 11, adynamic RAM (DRAM) 12, a flash memory 13, an image display unit 14, anda bus 15.

The imaging lens 2 includes a focusing lens and a zoom lens, not shown,and is connected to the lens driving block 3. The lens driving block 3includes a focusing motor and a zoom motor, not shown, for driving, inthe directions of the respective optical axes, the focusing lens and thezoom lens, and a focusing motor driver and zoom motor driver, not shown,for driving the focusing motor and zoom motor in the directions of therespective optical axes, in response to control signals from the CPU 9.

The CCD 4 (the imaging element) is driven by the driver 5 to performopto-electric conversion of the intensities of the different colors oflight for the RGB values of the subject at specific intervals, andoutput these as image signals to the unit circuit 7. The operatingtiming of this driver 5 and the unit circuit 7 is controlled by the CPU9 through the TG 6. The CCD 4 may include a Bayer array color filter,and also can function as an electronic shutter. The shutter speed ofthis electronic shutter is controlled by the CPU 9 through the driver 5and the TG 6.

The TG 6 is connected to the unit circuit 7, which comprises a CDS(Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that performs correlated doublesampling and latches the image signals output from the CCD 4, an AGC(Automatic Gain Control) circuit that performs automatic gain control onthe image signal after the sampling thereof, and an A/D converter forconverting the analog image signal after the automatic gain control intoa digital signal, where the image signals output from the CCD 4 are sentto the image generating unit 8 as digital signals through the unitcircuit 7.

The image generating unit 8 performs processes such as correctionprocesses and white balance processes on the image data that is sentfrom the unit circuit 7, and also generates luminance andcolor-difference signals (YUV data), and sends the image data, i.e., thegenerated luminance and color-difference signals, to the CPU 9. Thus,the image generating unit 8 performs image processing on the image dataoutput from the CCD 4.

The CPU 9 performs the function of recording the image data that is sentfrom the image generating unit 8, and is also a monolithicmicrocontroller for controlling each unit in the digital camera 1. Inparticular, the CPU 9 performs a function (a direct display controlsection) for displaying on the image display unit 14, video obtainedthrough video imaging using the CCD 4; a function (a continuous shootingcontrol section) for performing continuous still imaging using the CCD4; a function (a setting section) for setting imaging parameters foreach imaging in the continuous imaging; and a function (a recordingcontrol section) for controlling, to the flash memory 13, each imagedata obtained through the continuous imaging.

The key input unit 10 (input section or selection section) includes aplurality of operating keys such as a power supply ON/OFF key, a modeswitching key, a shutter button, a + key, a SET key, a SEND key, aDELETE key, and a CANCEL key, whereby operating signals are sent to theCPU 9 in response to key operations by the user. Control programs anddata necessary for the CPU 9 to control each unit are recorded in thememory 11, and the CPU 9 operates according to these programs.

The DRAM 12 is used as a buffer memory 11 for temporarily storing theimage data sent to the CPU 9 after imaging by the CCD 4, and is alsoused as the working memory 11 for the CPU 9. The flash memory 13 is arecording medium for saving compressed image data.

The image display unit 14 includes a color LCD and the driving circuitrythereof, and displays, as a direct image, the subject that has beenimaged by the CCD 4 when in imaging standby mode, and displays a videoof the subject that has been imaged by the CCD 4 during video imaging.Moreover, when a still imaging process has been performed during videoimaging, the still image that has been imaged is displayed along withthe video.

Operation of the Digital Camera 1

A first embodiment of the operation of a digital camera 1 will beexplained below following the flowchart in FIG. 2.

When the continuous imaging mode is set by the user operating the modeswitching key, the CPU 9 displays, on the image display unit 14, ascreen for inputting the number of images to shoot and the imagingparameters for each (Step S1). In this context, the term “imagingparameters” refers to the entire set of imaging parameters such as focuscontrol, shutter speed, iris, EV shift, filter, white balance (WB),color emphasis, and the like, and a screen is displayed for inputtingthe imaging parameters for each image.

Next, the CPU 9 determines whether the inputting of the number of imagesto shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images has beencompleted (Step S2). The user is able to observe the screen that isdisplayed in Step S1 and to operate the + key, and the like, to inputthe number of images to shoot, and also to input, for each image, theimaging parameters considered to be appropriate to the current imagingconditions. In other words, a plurality of patterns of imagingparameters considered to be appropriate to the current imagingconditions can be input. For example, when 3 is input as the number ofimages to shoot, then imaging parameters can be input for each image,such as the imaging parameters for the first image, the imagingparameters for the second image, and the imaging parameters for thethird image, whereby the user operates the SET key when the userbelieves that the inputting of the number of images to shoot and theimaging parameters for each has been completed.

This input procedure is desirable because there is not necessarily asingle set of imaging parameters that can be considered appropriate tothe current imaging conditions, but rather it is not clear which imagingparameters are best until the imaging is actually performed and theresults are observed.

Moreover, when the CPU 9 determines that an operating signalcorresponding to the SET key operation has been sent from the key inputunit 10, the CPU 9 determines that the inputting of the number of imagesto shoot and of the imaging parameters for each has been completed. Eachof the imaging parameters that is input can be input through directlyinputting values, or the values can be input through selecting “Auto.”When Auto has been selected, the CPU 9, at the time of imaging,automatically sets the imaging parameters for which Auto has been input.This determination determines the imaging parameters based on the imagedata imaged immediately prior to the time of imaging.

If it is determined that the inputting of the number of images to shootand the imaging parameters for each image has not been completed (S2:NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the process in Step S2 until there is adetermination that the inputting has been completed. If it is determinedthat the inputting of the number of images to shoot and the imagingparameters for each image has been completed (S2: YES), then the CPU 9stores the input number of images to shoot and the input imagingparameters for each into the imaging parameter storage area of thebuffer memory (DRAM 12) (Step S3) (the setting section). Thus, the inputplurality of patterns of imaging parameters are set as the imagingparameters for each imaging in the continuous imaging.

Next, the CPU 9 starts imaging, at a predetermined frame rate using theCCD 4, and stores, into the buffer memory, the image data that areoutput sequentially from the CCD 4 and for which the luminance andcolor-difference signals are generated sequentially by the imagegenerating unit 8, and starts the so-called direct image display, i.e.,starts displaying this stored image data on the image display unit 14(Step S4) (direct display control section). Next, the CPU 9 determineswhether there has been an instruction from the user to perform imaging(Step S5). The CPU 9 determines whether this imaging instruction hasbeen performed based on whether an operating signal corresponding to thedepression of the shutter button has been sent from the key input unit10.

If it is determined that an imaging instruction has not been performed(S5: NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the process in Step S5 until theimaging instruction is performed. On the other hand, if it is determinedthat an imaging instruction has been performed (S5: YES), then the CPU 9starts the continuous imaging process based on the number of images toshoot and on the imaging parameters for each that were stored in Step S3(Step S6) (continuous shooting control section).

Specifically, when, for example, “3” is stored as the number of imagesto shoot, a continuous imaging process is started wherein a stillimaging process is performed under the first imaging parameters that arestored, followed by a still imaging process performed under the secondimaging parameters that are stored, followed by a still imaging processperformed under the third imaging parameters that are stored. The stillimage data obtained through this imaging process is stored sequentiallyinto the buffer memory. Thus, the respective still imaging processes areperformed using the plurality of input patterns of imaging parameters.When set to “Auto,” the imaging parameters are determined based on theimage data imaged immediately prior to the imaging instruction havingbeen performed.

When the continuous imaging process is started, the CPU 9 determineswhether the continuous imaging process has been completed (Step S7). Ifit is determined that the continuous imaging process has not beencompleted (S7: NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the process in Step S7 untilthe continuous imaging process has been completed. When it is determinedthat the continuous imaging process has been completed (S7: YES), thenthe CPU 9 stores, into the flash memory 13, each of the still image dataobtained by the continuous imaging process (Step S8) (recording controlsection). In this manner, images imaged under a plurality of imagingparameters, thought to be appropriate for the imaging conditions, arestored, enabling the user to obtain a desired image.

As described above, in this embodiment, the user inputs a plurality ofpatterns of imaging parameters thought to be appropriate for the currentimaging conditions, and a continuous still imaging process is performedbased on the input plurality of patterns of imaging parameters, therebyenabling the user to obtain a desired image from the plurality of stillimage data that is obtained. Thus, when simply a single set of imagingparameters is input so as to match the current imaging conditions and astill image is shot, if the still image data obtained is not the imagedesired by the user (i.e., if the image is flawed), then it is necessaryto shoot the image again, which cannot deal with a situation wherein,for example, there is no second imaging opportunity. However, with thepresent invention, several sets of imaging parameters thought to besuitable to the current imaging conditions are input and a continuousimaging process is performed under the plurality of input imagingparameters, which not only enables the user to obtain the predeterminedplurality of candidate images easily, but also enables the user toselect therefrom the image that is truly desired.

The following alternate example is also possible for the firstembodiment described above. Although in the embodiment described abovethe imaging parameters were input when performing continuous imaging,instead a plurality of patterns of imaging parameters that have beeninput and for which continuous imaging has been performed may be storedin the memory 11 as a single group. Moreover, when a plurality ofpatterns of imaging parameters are stored in the memory 11 in advance asa single group, and that group is selected, continuous imaging may beperformed using the plurality of patterns of imaging parametersbelonging to that group. At this time, the user may input a desired namefor the group name. For example, inputting a group name such as“Nighttime photography” corresponding to a group of imaging parameterscorresponding to nighttime imaging enables continuous shooting withvarious imaging parameters corresponding to nighttime imaging byselecting the “Nighttime photography” group when, at some later time,imaging is performed at night. This can reduce the amount of workinvolved in inputting the plurality of patterns of imaging parameters atthe time of continuous shooting. Moreover, the imaging parameters in theimaging parameters that belong to the stored group may be changed.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment described above, various imaging parameters wereset by the user inputting the imaging parameters, and the digital camera1 performed continuous imaging based on each of the imaging parameters.However, in the second embodiment, the user may select, as desired, animaging scene corresponding to a set of imaging parameters having eachof the imaging parameters that have been determined in advance tocorrespond to the subject to be imaged, and the digital camera 1 mayperformed continuous imaging under the imaging parameters correspondingto the selected imaging scene.

The structure of the digital camera in the second embodiment isidentical to the structure of the digital camera 1 set forth in thefirst embodiment.

However, imaging parameter data 103 that includes imaging parameters(shutter speed, iris, color enhancement, etc.) corresponding topredetermined imaging scenes, and appended information data 104including titles, explanations thereof, and sample image data for eachof the imaging scenes are stored in the memory 11. Furthermore, each ofthe imaging scenes has a number associated therewith, where the imagingscenes are displayed in order of these numbers.

FIG. 3A illustrates the content of the imaging parameter data 103. A setof imaging parameters such as a shutter speed, an iris, EV shift, acolor enhancement, is stored for each imaging scene number.

FIG. 3B illustrates the content of the appended information data 104.For each imaging scene number, a title indicating the content of theimaging scene, such as “Photographing people,” an explanation of theimaging scene, such as “Sets the color enhancement to skin-tone andcauses an attractive de-focusing of the background on the distant side,”and sample image data are stored.

By viewing the titles or explanations of imaging scenes, or sampleimages of imaging scenes, the user will be able to make multipleselections of (candidate) imaging scenes the user considers to beappropriate to the imaging conditions, and can perform continuousimaging under the imaging parameters corresponding to the plurality ofselected imaging scenes.

FIG. 3C shows a screen when an imaging scene, stored in the memory 11,is displayed on the image display unit 14.

As shown in FIG. 3C, a sample image, a scene title, and an explanationare displayed. A portion of the appended information 104 data read outfrom the memory based on the imaging scene (number) that has beenselected is displayed in this detail display. The number shown at theupper right is the number for the imaging scene currently displayed.

The operation of a digital camera 1 as set forth in the secondembodiment will be explained below following the flowchart in FIG. 4.When the continuous imaging mode is set through a user operation of themode switching key, the CPU 9 selects the first imaging scene stored inthe memory 11 (the imaging scene with the number “1”), and displays theselected imaging scene (Step S11).

Next, the CPU 9 determines whether there has been an operation of the +key (Step S12). At this time, the CPU 9 determines whether there hasbeen an operation of the + key based on whether an operating signalcorresponding to the operation of the + key has been sent from the keyinput unit 10. If it is determined that there has been an operation ofthe + key (S12: YES), then the CPU 9 selects a new imaging scene inaccordance with the operation, displays the selected imaging scene (StepS13), and advances the processing to Step S14. Thus, the imaging scenethat is selected and displayed is changed. For example, when the “↓” keyof the + key is operated in a state wherein imaging scene 2 is selected,then imaging scene 3 will be selected and displayed, and similarly, whenthe “↑” key of the + key is operated in a state wherein imaging scene 2is selected, then imaging scene 1 will be selected and displayed.

If the last number is selected and the “↓” key of the + key is operated,or if the first number (number 1) imaging scene is selected and the “↑”key is operated, then either the selection and display may be leftunchanged because there is no next number in response to the operation,or the first number and the last number may be connected so as to selectand display the next number in response to the operation. Thus, when the“↓” key is operated when the imaging scene with the last number isselected, then the imaging scene with the first number may be selectedand displayed, and similarly, when the “↑” key is operated in a statewherein the imaging scene with the first number is selected, then theimaging scene with the last number may be selected and displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there has not been anoperation of the + key (S12: NO), then the CPU 9 advances the processingto Step S14. In Step S14, the CPU 9 determines whether the SET key hasbeen depressed. This determination is made based on whether an operatingsignal corresponding to the depression of the SET key has been sent fromthe key input unit 10. Here the user depresses the SET key to select thedesired imaging scene.

If it is determined that the SET key has not been depressed (S14: NO),then the CPU 9 returns the processing to Step S12. If it is determinedthat the SET key has been depressed (S14: YES), then the CPU 9 advancesthe processing to Step S15. The CPU 9 stores into the buffer memory thenumber of the imaging scene currently selected (Step S15). That is, bydepressing the SET key, the user can set the selection of the imagingscene for imaging.

Next, the CPU 9 determines whether or not the depression operation ofthe SET key is an extended depression (Step S16). This determination ismade based on whether the operating signal corresponding to thedepression of the SET key, or in other words, the operating signal thatis indicated from the time of the depression until the time at which thedepression is released, has been sent for more than a predetermined timeinterval. If it is determined that the SET key has not had an extendeddepression (S16: NO), then the CPU 9 returns the processing to Step S12.

Thus, the user is able to select any number of imaging scenes thought tobe appropriate to the current imaging conditions, and can modify theselections, prior to performing an extended depression of the SET key.For example, the user is able to select multiple imaging scenes that arethe same as or near to the current imaging conditions if the user thinksthat there are multiple imaging scenes (for example, “Nightscape” and“Fireworks”, and the like) that apply or nearly apply. The number ofimages to be continuously imaged through the continuous imaging processis determined depending on the number of imaging scenes that have beenselected.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been an extendeddepression of the SET key (S16: YES), then the CPU 9 reads out, from theimaging parameter data in the memory 11, the imaging parameterscorresponding to the numbers of each of the imaging scenes currentlyselected, and stores these parameters in the imaging parameter storagearea of the buffer memory, and also stores the number of imaging scenesthat have been selected (Step S17) (setting section). Thus, the imagingparameters of the selected plurality of imaging scenes are set as theimaging parameters for each imaging in the continuous imaging. Thenumber of stored imaging scenes corresponds, without modification, tothe number of images to be imaged through continuous imaging. When theimaging parameters of the imaging scenes are stored, the storage isperformed through associating imaging scene numbers and imagingparameters.

Thereafter, the CPU 9 starts a process that images the subject, usingthe CCD 4, and that displays a direct image of the subject (Step S18).When the direct image display has started, the CPU 9 determines whetherthere has been an instruction from the user to perform imaging (StepS19). If it is determined that an imaging instruction has not beenperformed (S19: NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the process in Step S19until the imaging instruction is performed. If it is determined that animaging instruction has been performed (S19: YES), then the CPU 9 startsthe continuous imaging process based on the number of images (imagecount) to shoot and on the imaging parameters for each image (imaging)that were stored in Step S17 (Step S20).

Specifically, a process is started so as to perform a continuous imagingprocess under the imaging parameters of each of the imaging scenessequentially, starting with the imaging scene with the lowest numbersuch that, of the imaging scene numbers (imaging scene numbers)associated with each of the imaging parameters stored in the imagingparameter storage area, the still imaging process is performed under theimaging parameters for the smallest imaging scene number, followed bythe still imaging process performed under the imaging parameters for thenext smallest imaging scene number, and so forth. Thus, the respectivestill imaging processes are performed using the imaging parameters ofthe plurality of selected imaging scenes. Alternatively, the continuousimaging process may be performed starting with the largest imaging scenenumber. Also, the continuous imaging process may be performed in thesequence with which the imaging scenes were selected by the user.Moreover, the continuous imaging process may be performed by selectingthe imaging scene numbers at random.

Next, the CPU 9 determines whether the continuous imaging process hasbeen completed (Step S21). If it is determined that the continuousimaging process has not been completed (S21: NO), then the CPU 9 repeatsthe process in Step S21 until the process has been completed. When it isdetermined that the continuous imaging process has been completed (S21:YES), then the CPU 9 stores, into the flash memory 13, the plurality ofthe still image data obtained by the continuous imaging process (StepS21). At this time, the imaging scene information indicating the imagingscene under which the imaging was performed (for example, the imagingscene number or the imaging scene title, etc.) is stored in associationwith each of the image data that is stored.

As described above, in this second embodiment, a plurality of imagingscenes thought to be suitable to the current imaging conditions isselected by the user, and a continuous imaging process is performedbased on the plurality of imaging scenes that has been selected,enabling the user to select with ease a plurality of desired candidateimages, and also to select the image that is actually desired.

Third Embodiment

While in the second embodiment described above, the user selected theimaging scenes, in a third embodiment, the digital camera 1 mayautomatically select a plurality of imaging scenes in response to thecurrent imaging conditions (the current imaging environment).

Operation of the Digital Camera 1

The digital camera in the third embodiment has a structure identical tothat in the first embodiment. However, as with the second embodiment,imaging parameter data that stores, in advance, imaging parameterscorresponding to predetermined imaging scenes, and a plurality ofappended information data comprising titles, explanations, and sampleimage data for each of the imaging scenes is stored in the memory 11.

Next, in the third embodiment, the CPU 9 has a process (a detectionsection) for detecting the imaging conditions such as the brightness ofthe subject, the color tone of the subject, the amount of movement ofthe subject, and the like, based on the image data currently beingimaged. The brightness of the subject is detected based on the luminancecomponent of the image data, the color tone of the subject is detectedbased on each of the R, G, and B color components, and the amount ofmotion of the subject is detected based on a calculation of, forexample, the motion vector.

The operation of the digital camera 1 in the third embodiment will beexplained below following the flowchart in FIG. 5. When the continuousimaging mode is set by the user operating the mode switching key of thekey input unit 10, the CPU 9 starts a process that images the subjectusing the CCD 4 and displays a direct image of the subject that has beenimaged (Step S31). Next, the CPU 9 detects the imaging conditions basedon the image data that has just been imaged (Step S32) (detectionsection). The brightness of the subject is detected based on theluminance component of the image data that has been imaged by the CCD 4,the color tone of the subject is detected based on the respective R, G,and B color components of the image data, and the motion vector iscalculated based on the image data.

Next, the CPU 9 selects automatically imaging scenes that are close tothe imaging conditions that have been detected (Step S33) (the automaticselection section). These selected imaging scenes are stored in thebuffer memory. If imaging scenes have already been stored, they will beoverwritten. More specifically, the CPU 9 selects automatically multipleimaging scenes based on the results of determining the imagingconditions such as the degree of brightness, the color tone, the stateof the motion vector, and the like, detected in Step S32, anddetermining the degree of similarity with the imaging parameter data foreach imaging scene.

The memory 11 is provided in advance with a table that stores, usingsimilarity categorization, the imaging scenes (imaging scene numbers)corresponding to the various conditions (imaging conditions) such as thedegree of brightness, color tone, and state of motion vector, etc. Thus,in this table, imaging scenes are stored corresponding to variousimaging conditions, such as imaging scenes corresponding to degrees ofbrightness, imaging scenes corresponding to color tones, and imagingscenes corresponding to the state of motion vectors. For example, theimaging scenes of “Nightscape,” “Fireworks,” and the like, are storedcorresponding to “Brightness is dark”; the imaging scenes “Sunset” and“Fall foliage,” and the like are stored corresponding to “Color tone isred”; and the imaging scenes “Sports,” “Splashing water,” and “Blurreduction,” and the like, are stored corresponding to the fast andlarge-movement states of the motion vectors.

The CPU 9 automatically selects multiple imaging scenes based on thedegrees of similarity after determining the degrees of similarity of theimaging scenes using the imaging conditions detected in Step S32 (thecurrent brightness, color tone, motion vectors, etc.) and these groups.As a method of determining the imaging scenes with these degrees ofsimilarity, there is the method of adding one point for the similaritypoint score for each place the imaging scene corresponds with eachindividual imaging parameter detected in Step S32, with higher degreesof similarity for those imaging scenes with more similarity points.Additionally, a specific number of imaging scenes may be selectedautomatically, starting with those with the highest number of similaritypoints that have been determined as described above, or a plurality ofimaging scenes having at least a predetermined number of similaritypoints may be selected automatically, or all imaging scenes to whichpoints have been added may be selected automatically.

For example, if the numbers of the imaging scenes corresponding to thedegree of brightness detected in Step S32 were 2, 5, 7, 10, and 20, thenone similarity point would be added to each of the imaging scenes withthose numbers. Additionally, if the numbers of the imaging scenescorresponding to the color tone detected in Step S32 were 5, 6, 10, 13,and 19, then one similarity point would be added to each of the imagingscenes with those numbers. Additionally, if the numbers of the imagingscenes corresponding to the motion vectors detected in Step S32 were 3,5, 7, and 12, then one similarity point would be added to each of theimaging scenes with those numbers. In this manner, similarity points areadded to imaging scenes corresponding to the various imaging conditions,and the greater the number of similarity points that have been added toan imaging scene, the greater the degree the similarity is determined tobe.

Alternatively, the imaging scenes may be selected automatically based onthe degrees of similarity by calculating the degrees of similaritythrough calculations, without the provision of a table. Moreover, aplurality of imaging scenes may be selected based on the results ofdetermination of the degrees of similarity between automaticallyselected imaging parameters and the individual imaging scenes of thoseparameter data after determining imaging parameters through directlydetermining imaging parameters automatically (the imaging parametersetting section) as has been done conventionally based on the detectedimaging conditions (or based on image data that had been imagedimmediately previously). Thus, a plurality of imaging scenes withimaging parameters that are similar to or resembling imaging parametersthat are determined automatically may be selected automatically.

Next, the CPU 9 reads out the titles, explanations, and sample images ofall of the selected imaging scenes from the appended information data inthe memory 11, based on the imaging scene numbers that have been stored,and compresses and displays the imaging scenes that have been read out(compressing the images as shown in FIG. 3C), and displays thesesuperimposed on the direct image display (Step S34). At this time, theimaging scene may be displayed as a semi-transparency. Rather thandisplaying the titles, explanations, and sample images of the imagingscenes as shown in FIG. 3C, the titles may be displayed superimposed onthe direct image display alone.

The CPU 9 then determines whether there has been an instruction from theuser to perform imaging (Step S35). If it is determined that there hasnot been an imaging instruction (S35: NO), then the CPU 9 returns theprocessing to Step S33. As a result, the imaging scenes that areselected automatically also change (and the imaging scene numbers thatare stored also change) in response to changes in the imagingconditions, and the imaging scenes that are displayed change accordinglyas well.

On the other hand, if it is determined that an imaging instruction hasbeen performed (S35: YES), then the CPU 9 reads out, from the imagingparameter data in the memory 11, the imaging parameters corresponding tothe numbers of each of the imaging scenes currently stored (currentlyselected), and stores these parameters in the imaging parameter storagearea of the buffer memory, and also stores the number of imaging scenesthat have been selected (Step S36) (the setting section). Thus, theimaging parameters of the selected plurality of imaging scenes are setas the imaging parameters for each imaging in the continuous imaging.The number of stored imaging scenes corresponds, without modification,to the number of images to be imaged through continuous imaging. Whenthe imaging parameters of the imaging scenes are stored, the storage isperformed through associating imaging scene numbers and imagingparameters.

The CPU 9 then starts the continuous imaging process based on the numberof images (image count) to shoot and on the imaging parameters for eachimage (imaging) that were stored (Step S37). Specifically, a process isstarted so as to perform a continuous imaging process under the imagingparameters of each of the imaging scenes sequentially, starting with theimaging scene with the lowest number such that, of the imaging scenenumbers (imaging scene numbers) associated with each of the imagingparameters stored in the imaging parameter storage area, the stillimaging process is performed under the imaging parameters for thesmallest imaging scene number, followed by the still imaging processperformed under the imaging parameters for the next smallest imagingscene number, and so forth. Thus, the respective still imaging processesare performed using the imaging parameters of the plurality ofautomatically selected imaging scenes. Alternatively, the continuousimaging process may be performed starting with the largest imaging scenenumber or the continuous imaging process may be performed by selectingthe imaging scene numbers at random.

The CPU 9 then determines whether the continuous imaging process hasbeen completed (Step S38). If it is determined that the continuousimaging process has not been completed (S38: NO), then the CPU 9 repeatsthe process in Step S38 until the continuous imaging process has beencompleted. When it is determined that the continuous imaging process hasbeen completed (S38: YES), then the CPU 9 stores, into the flash memory13, the plurality of the still image data obtained by the continuousimaging process (Step S39), to complete the processing in the continuousimaging mode. At this time, the imaging scene information indicating theimaging scene under which the imaging was performed (for example, theimaging scene name or the imaging scene number, etc.) is stored inassociation with each of the image data that is stored.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the imaging conditions aredetected from image data that is imaged, and a plurality of imagingscenes that match the detected imaging conditions is selectedautomatically, eliminating the work by the user of selecting the imagingscenes and inputting the imaging parameters. Moreover, even in caseswhere the imaging must be done in a hurry, such as when there is a photoopportunity, a plurality of imaging scenes thought to be suitable to thecurrent imaging conditions is selected by the user, and a continuousimaging process is performed based on the plurality of imaging scenesthat has been selected, not only enabling the user to select with ease aplurality of desired candidate images without missing the photoopportunity, but also enabling the user to select the image that isactually desired.

While in the first, second and third embodiments described above, thestatic image data imaged by the continuous imaging process were storedin the flash memory 13, alternatively, all of the static image dataobtained by the continuous imaging process may be displayed on the imagedisplay unit 14, with only the static image data selected by the userstored in the flash memory 13.

Moreover, while in the first embodiment, the user input the number ofimages to shoot and the imaging parameters for each, or in other words,the number of sets of imaging parameters input was equal to the inputnumber of images to shoot, instead the number of sets of imagingparameters may be different from the input number of images to shoot.For example, while in the first embodiment, the number of sets ofimaging parameters was equal to the number of images to be shot, such asimaging parameters A for the first image, imaging parameters B for thesecond image, imaging parameters C for the third image, and imagingparameters D for the fourth image, instead, with 4 input as the numberof images to shoot, two sets of imaging parameters, A and B, may beinput. In this case, the imaging may proceed such that the first imageis imaged under imaging parameters A, the second image is imaged underimaging parameters B, the third image is imaged under imaging parametersA, and the fourth image is imaged under imaging parameters B, or thefirst and second images may be imaged under imaging parameters A withthe third and fourth images are imaged under imaging parameters B.Similarly, the still imaging may be performed continuously withdifferent imaging parameters. The number of sets of imaging parametersmust be no more than the number of images to shoot.

Moreover, while in the second and third embodiments, the number ofimages to shoot is determined based on the number of imaging scenesselected, alternatively, continuous imaging may be performed for anumber of images greater than the number of imaging scenes selected. Forexample, in the second and third embodiments, if imaging scene A,imaging scene B, imaging scene C, and imaging scene D have beenselected, a total of four images were imaged continuously, with an imageimaged under the imaging parameters of imaging scene A, an image imagedunder the imaging parameters of imaging scene B, an image imaged underthe imaging parameters of imaging scene C, and an image imaged under theimaging parameters of imaging scene D. Similarly, the number of imagesto shoot may be larger than the number of selected imaging scenes, suchas having the number of images to be continuously imaged be 4, with theselected imaging scenes being imaging scene A and imaging scene B. Inthis case, the imaging proceeds such that the first image is imagedunder the imaging parameters of imaging scene A, the second image isimaged under the imaging parameters of imaging scene B, the third imageis imaged under the imaging parameters of imaging scene A, and thefourth image is imaged under the imaging parameters of imaging scene B,or the first and second images may be imaged under the imagingparameters of imaging scene A with the third and fourth images areimaged under the imaging parameters of imaging scene B. Generally, allthat is needed is to have still images imaged continuously withdiffering imaging parameters, and it is not necessary for each set ofimaging parameters for each still image that is imaged continuously tobe different.

Moreover, while in the first and second embodiments, different imagingparameters were input or different imaging scenes were selected,alternatively, perfectly identical imaging parameters may be input oridentical imaging scenes may be selected. For example, in the firstembodiment, imaging parameters may be input for the second image thatare identical to the imaging parameters for imaging in the first image.Moreover, in the second embodiment identical imaging scenes may beselected a plurality of times. Generally, all that is needed is to havestill images imaged continuously with differing imaging parameters, andit is not necessary for each set of imaging parameters for each stillimage that is imaged continuously to be different.

Moreover, in the second and third embodiments, along with displaying thestill image data, when displaying each of the still image data recordedin the continuous imaging, the imaging scene information (the title andnumber of the imaging scene) recorded in association with each stillimage data may be displayed as well. This enables the user to know whichimaging scene imaging parameters were used when imaging the still imagedata, enabling appropriate learning of the imaging scenes for differentimaging conditions for future imaging.

Moreover, as in the first embodiment, the various imaging parametersimaged in the continuous imaging process may be stored as a single groupin the second and third embodiments as well. Thus, when a group isselected, all of the imaging parameters belonging to that group are readout, and the continuous imaging is performed using each of the imagingparameters that are read out.

Moreover, in the third embodiment, the user may select the mostdesirable still image data of all of the still image data imaged in thecontinuous imaging, and the CPU may record this, in association with theimaging conditions at the time of the continuous imaging, and theimaging scene used. This enables the digital camera 1 to learn.Moreover, when, in the normal still imaging mode, it is determined thatthe imaging conditions are the same as the imaging conditions that wererecorded, the imaging scene recorded in association with the recordedimaging conditions may be displayed as the optimal imaging scene, andthe settings may be set to the imaging parameters of that imaging sceneautomatically. When this continuous imaging is performed, these imagingconditions may be the degree of brightness, color tone, motion vectors,and the like, detected based on the image data imaged prior toperforming the continuous imaging process, and, as is conventional, theimaging parameters may be determined automatically through automaticdetermination of the imaging parameters directly based on that imagedata. Moreover, in the direct image display in the normal still imagingmode, when it is determined that the imaging parameters that aredetermined automatically, determined through automatic determination ofeach imaging parameter directly based on image data that has been imagedor on the degree of brightness, color tone, motion vectors, etc.,detected based on the image data, are essentially the same as theimaging parameters or the degree of brightness, color tone, motionvectors, etc., recorded as imaging conditions, then the imaging scenethat is recorded in association with those imaging conditions isdisplayed, and the imaging parameters of that imaging scene are setautomatically.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the user may select the processof the first, second or third embodiments, or may select imaging in asingle shot, and the digital camera may execute the selected process.The digital camera in the fourth embodiment has a structure identical tothat of the first embodiment. However, in the digital camera 1 as setforth in the fourth embodiment, there is a recording mode for the basicimaging and a playback mode for playing back recorded images, as theoperating modes thereof, and also a best-shot mode, described below, asa subsidiary mode to the recording mode, and the mode setting keys areused to set these modes. The best-shot mode is a mode that setsautomatically, as imaging parameters when imaging, the shutter speed,iris value, color balance, and the like, for the selected scene after aselection by a user, through sample images that are samples of imagingresults, of a scene that is identical to an imaging scene that includesthe imaging environment at that time and the subject that is to beimaged, or a scene with a desired environment.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, if there is inadequate free space in theflash memory 13, for example, the image data 101 that is storedtemporarily, the program data 102, the imaging parameter data 103, theappended information data 104, the selection limitation data 105, thegroup data 106, and the scene determination data 107 are stored in thememory 11.

This program data 102 is a firmware that includes the various types ofcontrol programs required for controlling the various parts of the CPU 9and for data processing, and program AE data that structures programline drawings indicating commendations of iris values (F) and shutterspeeds corresponding to the correct exposure values (EV's) at the timeof imaging.

Moreover, the imaging parameter data 103, the appended information data104, the selection limitation data 105, the group data 106, and thescene determination data 107 are used when imaging in the aforementionedbest-shot mode, and each is data such as described below.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the imaging parameter data 103 includes recordedphotographing parameters including the values of shutter speed, iris, EVshift and color emphasis, etc. for each scene number.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, as the appended information data 104, atitle, indicating for example “photographing people”, which is thedescription of the scene, a note for explanation of imaging scene saying“sets the color emphasis to skin tone and causes an attractivedefocusing of the background on the distant side” and sample image dataare recorded separately for each scene number.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the content of selectionlimitation data. The selection limitation data 105 is data thatindicates a combination of imaging scenes wherein the imaging parametersare mutually contradictory, and in the example in FIG. 7, these arecombinations of imaging scenes wherein there are mutually contradictoryimaging parameters of “Portrait imaging scene” and “Landscape imagingscene,” marked with an “X” in the position of the intersection.Specifically, the “Sports” (scene number 8) or “Stops water whensplashing” (scene number 14), which set the shutter speed to fast as oneof the imaging parameters, combined with “Smoothes the flow of water”(scene number 13) which sets the shutter speed to slow as one of theimaging parameters, are such a combination. The selection limitationdata 105 is used when “Manual” is selected as the selection method forthe imaging scenes when the use of the continuous shooting function isselected in the best-shot mode, described below.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the content of the groupdata 106. The group data 106 is data indicating groups (in the figure,“A” through “D,” or the like) belonging to the individual imaging scenesdescribed above, wherein, in the present embodiment, those imagingscenes that are likely to be selected together when imaging the samesubject in the best-shot mode are grouped in advance. The group data 106is used when “Group” is selected as the selection method for the imagingscenes when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected inthe best-shot mode, described below.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the content of scenedetermination data 107. The scene determination data 107 is structuredfrom determination data, bridging a plurality of different determinationitems that are determined in advance depending on the respective imagingscenes described above. As shown in FIG. 9, the determination data 107are subject information that can be obtained based on image data, suchas brightness, subject hue, type of light source, subject movement, theexistence of a face, and the like. Moreover, the determination data 107are values indicating the characteristics of the individual imagingscenes, and although not shown, these are set, for example, as ranges ofbrightness for “Brightness,” reddish or bluish for “Hue,” sunlight,fluorescent light, or cloudy sky for “Type of light source,” the amountof motion for “Motion of subject,” and Yes or No for “Presence of aface”. The scene determination data 107 is used when “Auto” is selectedas the selection method for the imaging scenes when the, se of thecontinuous shooting function is selected in the best-shot mode,described below.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the fourthembodiment of the digital camera 1 in accordance with the invention whenthe best-shot mode, described above, is set for the recording mode. Whenthe best-shot mode has been set, the user is allowed to select whetherto use the continuous shooting function that performs continuous imaginga plurality of times in response to a single image instruction andstores a plurality of still images, whereby if the continuous shootingfunction is used, the user is allowed to specify the method forselecting the imaging scene.

When the best-shot mode is set by the user, the CPU 9 of the digitalcamera 1 determines whether the use of the continuous shooting functionhas been selected (Step S101). If it is determined that the use of thecontinuous shooting function has not been selected (Step S101: NO), thenthe CPU 9 performs a single-shot imaging process (Step S102).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the single-shot imaging process.First, the CPU 9 displays a scene selecting screen (for example, a sceneselecting screen such as shown in FIG. 15) that displays a table ofsample images showing all of the imaging scenes that have beenregistered in advance and stored in the memory 11 as appendedinformation data 104, as shown in FIG. 3B (Step S201). Next, the CPU 9determines whether the desired imaging scene has been selected by theuser through the key input unit 10 (Step S202). The imaging sceneselection is performed by a selection cursor movement operation throughoperating a + key, and a confirmation operation by operating the SETkey. Additionally, the selection of the imaging scene may be performedby merely displaying imaging scene A or B, as shown in FIG. 15, andhaving an imaging scene display switching operation by operating the +key, and a confirmation operation by operating the SET key.

Additionally, when it is determined that one of the imaging scenes hasbeen selected (S202: YES), the CPU 9 reads out data in response to theselected imaging scene (scene number) from the imaging parameter data103, as shown in FIG. 3A (reading out a plurality of imaging parameterset values), and sets these automatically as the imaging parameters forperforming imaging (Step S203).

The CPU 9 then starts the direct image display, switches to the imagingstandby screen (Step S204), and determines whether there has been animaging instruction through the operation of the shutter key (StepS205). If it is determined that there has not been an imaginginstruction (S205: NO), then the CPU 9 returns the processing to StepS204. If it is determined that there has been an imaging instruction(S205: YES), then the CPU 9 performs the imaging process in accordancewith the imaging parameters that have been set in advance, or in otherwords, performs the imaging process, including controlling the shutterspeed, iris value, color balance, and the like, in response to theimaging scene that has been selected by the user (Step S206). Next, theCPU 9 compresses the image data that has been obtained, and stores thecompressed image data in the flash memory 13 as a still image file.

Thereafter, processing returns to the main flow illustrated in FIG. 10,and one cycle of the imaging operation is completed by the best-shotmode without further processing. As a result, the user is able to obtainan image with the intended ambience by merely selecting the desiredimaging scene prior to imaging, without having to perform anycomplicated operations for setting imaging parameters, and withouthaving to think about combinations of set values thereof.

On the other hand, if the use of the continuous shooting function isselected in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 (S102: YES), then theCPU 9 displays, on the image display unit 14, a setting screen thatallows the user to select the method for selecting the imaging scene(Step S103). In the present embodiment, three different methods forselecting the imaging scene (hereinafter termed “scene selectingmethods”) are provided: “Manual,” “Group,” and “Auto.” When it isdetermined that “Manual” has been selected (S104: YES), then processingswitches to the manual selecting process (Step S105). Moreover, if“Group” has been selected (S104: NO and S106: YES), then processingswitches to the group selecting process (Step S107). Moreover, when itis determined that “Auto” has been selected (S104: NO and S106: NO),then processing switches to the automatic selecting process (Step S108).

The case wherein “Manual” is selected as the scene selecting method willbe explained first. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the manualselecting process.

When switching to the manual selecting process, the CPU 9 determineswhether there is a setting for a non-selectable scene (Step S301).“Non-selectable scene” is described below. At the beginning of theoperation, no non-selectable scene has been set (S301: NO), so the CPU 9displays, on the image display unit 14, the scene selecting screenwherein all of the imaging scenes (sample images) that have been storedare arrayed, the same as in the case described above for the single-shotimaging process (Step S302). The user selects the desired imaging scene.As in the embodiment described above for the single-shot imagingprocess, the selection of the imaging scene may be performed by merelydisplaying imaging scene A or B, as shown in FIG. 15, and having animaging scene display switching operation by operating the + key, and aconfirmation operation by operating the SET key. Next, the CPU 9determines whether one of the imaging scenes has been selected by theuser through the key input unit 10 (Step S303).

If it is determined that one of the imaging scenes has been selected(S303: YES), then the CPU 9 stores the scene number of the selectedimaging scene, and sets, as the imaging parameters to be used at thetime of imaging, the imaging parameters corresponding to that imagingscene (Step S304).

Thereafter, the CPU 9 references the selection limitation data 105, asshown in FIG. 8, to determine whether there exists an imaging scenewherein the imaging parameters contradict those of the imaging scenethat has been selected. If it is determined that there is no imagingscene wherein the imaging parameters contradict those of the imagingscene that has been selected (S305: NO), then the CPU 9 returns theprocessing to Step S301. In this case, the determination result in StepS301 is again NO, so like the case wherein in the process first started,a scene selecting screen that comprises all of the imaging scenes isdisplayed again (Step S302). Those imaging scenes that have already beenselected are displayed in a state that cannot be discriminated from theother imaging scenes.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an imaging scenewherein the imaging parameters contradict those of the imaging scenethat has been selected (S305: YES), then the CPU 9 sets that imagingscene to be an imaging scene that cannot be selected (a non-selectableimaging scene) (Step S306), and returns the processing to Step S301. Inthis case, the determination result in Step S301 is YES, so the CPU 9displays, on the image display unit 14, a scene selecting screencomprising all of the imaging scenes except for the non-selectablescenes (Step S307). The user selects the desired imaging scene from thescene selecting screen that excludes the non-selectable scenes. In otherwords, when selecting the second imaging scene or beyond, the imagingscenes that can be selected are constrained depending on the imagingscenes that have already been selected.

Thereafter, the user is allowed to select a plurality of imaging scenesby repeating the operations described above. The non-selectable scenescan be made known to the user by displaying a scene selecting screenwherein those imaging scenes that are non-selectable scenes aredisplayed in gray when selecting the second imaging scene and subsequentimaging scene, and by prohibiting the motion of the imaging sceneselecting cursor.

Moreover, if the imaging scene selection completion has been indicatedby a predetermined key operation by the user (S303: NO, S308: YES), thenthe CPU 9 ends the manual selecting process and returns processing tothe main flow in FIG. 10.

Thereafter, the CPU 9 starts the direct image display on the imagedisplay unit 14 (Step S109), and, in the imaging standby mode,determines whether there has been an imaging instruction through theoperation of the shutter key (Step S110). If it is determined that thereis no imaging instruction (S110: NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the processin Step S110 until there is an imaging instruction. If it is determinedthat there has been an imaging instruction (S110: YES), then the CPU 9reads out the imaging parameters that are set to be used at that time(where the scene number corresponds to the stored imaging scene),performs the imaging process in accordance therewith (Step S111), andthen stores the still image data obtained through imaging into the DRAM12 (Step S112).

The CPU 9 then determines whether the imaging process has been completedin accordance with the imaging parameters a number of times that dependson the number of sets of imaging parameters that have been set (thenumber of imaging scenes that have been specified) (Step S113). If it isdetermined imaging processes have not been completed in accordance withall of the imaging parameters (S113: NO), then the CPU 9 returns theprocessing to Step S111. If it is determined that imaging processes havebeen completed in accordance with all of the imaging parameters (S113:YES), then the CPU 9 stores, as respective still image files in theflash memory 13, the plurality of still image data that are stored inthe DRAM 12 (Step S114). More specifically, the operations in Step S21and S22 are repeated until the imaging processes in accordance with allof the imaging parameters (scene numbers) specified as subject to usehave been completed. Thus, continuous imaging is performed withdifferent imaging parameters for the same subject. Thereafter, once theimaging processes have been completed a number of times depending on thenumber of sets of imaging parameters that have been set (the number ofimaging scenes that have been specified), the CPU 9 records, asrespective still image files in the flash memory 13, the plurality ofstill image data stored in the DRAM 12.

Next, the CPU 9 determines whether or not “Manual” was selected as thescene selecting method (Step S115). If it is determined that “Manual”was selected as the scene selecting method (S115: YES), then the CPU 9adds a recording of a new group, including the plurality of imagingscenes selected this time as subject for use in continuous imaging, tothe group data 106, as shown in FIG. 8 (Step S116), and completes asingle imaging operation in the best-shot mode. If it is determined that“Manual” has not been selected as the scene selecting method (S115: NO),then the CPU 9 completes a single imaging operation in the best shotmode.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the details of operationswhen “Manual” has been selected as the scene selecting method, asdescribed above. If, for example, imaging has been performed afterselecting two imaging scenes A and B, “People” and “Children,” an image201 a, reflecting the imaging parameters corresponding to “People,” andan image 201 b, reflecting the imaging parameters corresponding to“Children” can be obtained in a single imaging operation. In FIG. 15,reference numeral 301 designates a scene selecting screen comprising allimaging scenes, reference numeral 302 designates a scene selectingscreen comprising imaging scenes excluding the non-selectable scenes,and reference numeral 401 designates a direct image.

As described above, when “Manual” has been selected as the sceneselecting method, it is possible to obtain, in a single imagingoperation, the same images as the images obtained when the use of theaforementioned continuous shooting function has not been selected inbest-shot mode, or in other words, by performing the normal stillimaging process multiple times using the same imaging scene in best-shotmode that performs the single-shot imaging process in FIG. 15.

As a result, it is possible to obtain with ease, multiple images withvarying image qualities, different from images wherein, for example,only the brightness, or the like, has been changed in a stepwise orincremental manner (images wherein the image quality has been changedmonotonically) obtained through conventional autobracketing imaging, asimages from multiple selections of imaging scenes in advance of theimaging operation.

However, by constraining or preventing the selection of imaging sceneswherein the imaging parameters contradict those of previously selectedimaging scenes when selecting the second imaging scene or subsequentimaging scenes, it is possible to avoid selections of imaging scenesthat are completely different from the type of subject or imagingenvironment, while respecting the intentions of the user for multipleimaging scenes. As a result, it is possible to preclude the combinationof some images with other images that reflect imaging parameters thatare extremely different within the plurality of images that areultimately obtained, thus making it possible to suppress, to somedegree, the scope of variance of image quality between the respectiveimages.

It is not absolutely necessary to impose constraints on thenon-selectable imaging scenes in the second cycle and subsequent cycles.Furthermore, the number of imaging scenes that can be selected prior tothe imaging operation may be limited to a predetermined number.

The procedure wherein “Group” is selected as the scene selecting methodin Step S106 of FIG. 10 (S106: YES) will be explained with reference to.FIG. 13 which is a flowchart for explaining the group selecting process.

When switching to the group selecting process, the CPU 9 displays thescene selecting screen, including imaging scenes belonging to at leastone group, based on the group data 106 as shown in FIG. 8. The user isable to select the desired imaging scene from the scene selectingscreen. Next, the CPU 9 determines whether one of the imaging scenes hasbeen selected by the user through the key input unit 10 (Step S402). Ifit is determined that an imaging scene has not been selected (S402: NO),then the CPU 9 returns the processing to Step S401. If it is determinedthat one of the imaging scenes has been selected (S402: YES), then theCPU 9 stores the scene numbers of the selected imaging scene and ofimaging scenes within the same group thereof, to thereby set, as theimaging parameters to be used at the time of imaging, the imagingparameters corresponding to those imaging scenes (Step S403). The groupselecting process is thereby finished, and processing returns to themain flow in FIG. 10.

Thereafter, the CPU 9 performs continuous imaging while varying theimaging parameters for the single subject, through the processes in StepS109 through Step S114, described above. If it is determined that“Group” has been selected as the scene selecting method (S115: NO), thenthe CPU 9 skips the process in Step S116 and completes a single imagingoperation in the best-shot mode without further processing.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the details of theoperations when “Group” has been selected as the scene selecting method,as described above, and when performing imaging with, for example,“People” selected as the imaging scene. With these settings, it ispossible to obtain images 201 a-201 e, reflecting respective imagingparameters corresponding to multiple imaging scenes belonging to thesame group A as “People,” in this case “Scenery and people,” “Children,”“Soft focus,” and “Backlighting,” all in a single imaging operation. InFIG. 16, reference numeral 301 designates a scene selecting screenincluding all imaging scenes, and reference numeral 401 designates adirect image.

As described above, when “Group” has been selected as the sceneselecting method, it is possible to obtain, in a single imagingoperation, the same images as the images obtained by performing thenormal still imaging process multiple times in the best-shot mode thatperforms the single-shot imaging of FIG. 11, as when “Manual” wasselected as the scene selecting method, by selecting an imaging sceneprior to the imaging operation.

In contrast to only obtaining images varying only brightness, forexample, in a stepwise manner in conventional autobracketing imaging, inthe autobracketing imaging in the present embodiment, it is possible toeasily obtain multiple images with image qualities varying in diverseways.

Furthermore, since the imaging parameters that are applied at the timeof continuous imaging are imaging parameters corresponding to apredetermined imaging scene belonging to the same group as the imagingscene selected by the user, it becomes possible to limit the number ofcontinuous imaging cycles, or in other words, the number of imagesrecorded in a single operation.

Additionally, since in the present embodiment, those imaging scenes thatare likely to be selected together are grouped together in advance whenimaging the same subject in the best-shot mode, it is possible toperform imaging without performing the manual selection operations forthe imaging scenes multiple times, which is not the case when “Manual”is selected for the scene selecting method. As a result, this isparticularly convenient when the scene that should be selected is notknown in advance of continuous imaging, i.e., in a case wherein a manualselection could be made when selecting about one scene, but it would beinconvenient to perform manual selections of multiple scenes.

When grouping the imaging scenes, the grouping method may be based onthe type of subject, such as “People,” “Water,” “Nightscapes,” or“Nature.” In this case, if the imaging scenes that are registered inadvance are the scenes shown in FIG. 8, or the like, then imaging scenessuch as “People,” “People and scenery,” and “Children,” may be put intothe “People” group; imaging scenes such as “Smoothes the flow of water”and “Stops water when splashing,” may be put into the “Water” group;imaging scenes such as “Nightscape” and “High sensitivity” may be putinto the “Nightscapes” group; and imaging scenes such as “Scenery,”“Scenery and people,” “Makes greens look natural,” and “Fall Foliage”may be put into the “Nature” group. Moreover, grouping may also be doneby other types of imaging environments, such as by the location ofimaging (“Outdoors” versus “Indoors”), by the timing of the imaging(“Spring,” “Summer,” “Autumn,” or “Winter”), or by the time of imaging(“Morning,” “Afternoon,” or “Evening”). Furthermore, in any case, agiven imaging scene may be placed in a plurality of groups.

The procedure wherein “Auto” is selected as the scene selecting methodin Step S106 of FIG. 10 (S106: NO) will be explained with reference toFIG. 14 which is a flowchart for explaining the automatic selectingprocess.

When switching to the automatic selecting process, the CPU 9 firstdisplays, on the image display unit 14, a screen for specifying thenumber of images to be imaged, and then stores the number of images tobe imaged, specified by the user key operations based on this displayscreen (Step S501). The CPU 9 then starts the direct image display (StepS502). The user is able to specify the subject that will be subjected tocontinuous imaging. Specification of the subject may be performed, forexample, by depressing the shutter key half-way, if the structure is onewherein a shutter key half-depression operation is possible.

Next, the CPU 9 determines whether there has been an operation by theuser to specify the subject that will be subjected to the continuousimaging (Step S503). If it is determined that there has not been anoperation by the user to specify the subject that will be subjected tothe continuous imaging (S503: NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the process inStep S503 until there is this specification operation. If it isdetermined that there has been an operation by the user to specify thesubject that will be subjected to the continuous imaging (S503: YES),then the CPU 9 takes a predetermined number of images (Step S504), anddetects predetermined image information based on the image data from thenumber of images obtained (Step S505). The CPU 9 detects the brightnessof the subject based on the luminance component of the image data,detects the hue of the subject based on the R, G, and B color componentsof the image data, detects the motion vector of the subject (the amountof movement of the subject) by comparing the contents between imagedata, and detects whether there is a face part, by performing facerecognition.

The CPU 9 then sets the specified number of images, specified by theuser in Step S501, as the upper limit, and searches for a plurality ofimaging scenes, from the plurality of imaging scenes that have beenregistered, that are close to the content of the subject or close to thecurrent imaging conditions, based on individual subject informationdetected as described above. In other words, the CPU 9 searches for aplurality of scenes that are similar to the actual imaging scene (StepS506).

The CPU 9 uses the scene determination data 107, as shown in FIG. 9, tocompare, for each determination item for each of the imaging scenes, thedetermination data and the imaging data that has already been detected,and it defines as candidates those imaging scenes wherein there is atleast one matching determination item, and then applies a rank orderingwith the number of matching determination items as the degree ofsimilarity. At this time, the priority sequence is applied for thoseimaging scenes having the same number of matching determination itemsstarting with those imaging scenes with the higher total number ofpoints after calculating by totaling numbers of points that reflect thepriority relationships between the determination items, which arenumbers of points, determined in advance, for each of the matchingdetermination items. Moreover, the priority sequence may be applied formultiple imaging scenes having the same total number of points startingwith the ones with the lowest scene numbers. Thereafter, a number ofimaging scenes depending on the aforementioned number of imagesspecified are obtained beginning with those with highest prioritysequence (highest degree of similarity) applied above, of those imagingscenes having one or more matching determination items.

Next, the CPU 9 stores the scene numbers of the plurality of imagingparameters corresponding to the plurality of imaging scenes obtained(retrieved) as described above, to set, as the imaging parameters to beused when imaging, the imaging parameters corresponding to those imagingscenes. After this, the CPU 9 displays, on the screen, a messageinforming the user that the imaging preparations have been completed(Step S508), ends the automatic selecting process, and returns theprocessing to the main flow in FIG. 10.

After ending the automatic selecting process, the CPU 9 switches theprocessing to Step S110, and awaits the imaging instruction. Thereafter,the CPU 9 performs continuous imaging while varying the imagingparameters for the single subject, through the processes in Step S111through Step S113, described above, to complete one cycle of the imagingoperation using the best-shot mode.

Consequently, when “Auto” has been selected as the scene selectingmethod, it is possible to obtain, in a single imaging operation, thesame images as the images obtained by performing the normal stillimaging process multiple times in the best-shot mode that performs thesingle-shot imaging of FIG. 11, as when “Manual” or “Group” was selectedas the scene selecting method, by specifying a subject prior to theimaging operation.

Additionally, in contrast to only obtaining images varying onlybrightness, for example, in a stepwise manner in conventionalautobracketing imaging, in the autobracketing imaging in the presentembodiment, it is possible to easily obtain multiple images with imagequalities varying in diverse ways.

Furthermore, imaging parameters corresponding to imaging scenes similarto the actual imaging scene are set automatically as the imagingparameters to be applied to the continuous imaging by merely specifyinga subject, and thus, in contrast to the case when “Manual” or “Group”was selected as the scene selecting method, there is no need foroperations for selecting, prior to the continuous imaging, a scene thatis similar to the actual imaging scene. As a result, this isparticularly convenient when the user has no idea about which scene toselect prior to the continuous imaging, or is having a difficult timedeciding.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the user has specified in advance,through key operations, the number of images desired, making it possibleto limit the number of images that are imaged continuously, or in otherwords, the number of images recorded at one time, in the same manner aswhen “Group” was selected for the scene selecting method.

While in Step S505, described above, image information such as thebrightness of the subject, the hue, the amount of motion (the motionvectors), and the presence/absence of a face is detected (obtained), asthe scene specifying information in the present invention, from theimage data of the subject specified by the user, and in Step S506 aplurality of imaging scenes that are similar to the actual imaging sceneis retrieved based on the image data that has been obtained, thefollowing may be performed instead.

For example, in Step S505, external data, such as the imaging date andtime and the imaging timing, which cannot be obtained from the imagedata, may be obtained separately from this image data, and in Step S506,a plurality of imaging scenes that are similar to the actual imagingscene may be retrieved based on the external data and/or the image datadescribed above. However, in this case, it is necessary to prepare scenedetermination data including determination items pertaining to the imagedata and determination items pertaining to the external data, as thedetermination items, which is different from the scene determinationdata 107 as shown in FIG. 9.

Moreover, while in Step S503, described above, it was determined whetherthere had been an operation specifying the subject, rather than anoperation for specifying the subject, the processes in Steps S504-StepS507 may be executed repeatedly while the direct image is displayed.

Moreover, in Step S505, described above, the image data may be detectedusing only the image data within an area specified as desired by theuser, or within a predetermined area (for example, the AF area) that isdetermined in advance, within the image data, when detecting thepredetermined image data based on a plurality of frames of image data.In this case, when the AF area is placed on the subject and the shutterkey is depressed half-way, the predetermined image data is detectedbased on the image data within the AF area, thus enabling detection ofthe image data of the desired subject.

The embodiment described above enables a user to easily obtain, when theuse of the continuous shooting function in the best-shot mode isselected, a plurality of images, wherein the image qualities are changedin a diversity of ways, through the effective use of various types ofimaging modes prepared for single-shot imaging, different from theimages wherein only the brightness, for example, has been changed in astepwise manner, obtained through the conventional autobracketingimaging. As a result, it is possible to significantly enhance the easeof use when performing bracketing imaging.

Moreover, when “Manual” is selected as the scene selecting method, then,as described above, a new group, including a plurality of imaging scenescorresponding to each of the imaging parameters specified as imagingparameters suitable for continuous imaging, can be added and saved tothe group data 106, as shown in FIG. 8. Consequently, by merelyselecting “Group” as the scene selecting method thereafter and thenselecting a single desired scene, it is possible to set automatically,as the imaging parameters to be applied during continuous imaging, eachof the sets of imaging parameters corresponding to the plurality ofimaging scenes (imaging modes) selected manually before. The respectiveeffects due to the other scene selecting methods are as outlined above.

In contrast to the present embodiment, a new group of a plurality ofimaging scenes corresponding to each of the imaging parameters specifiedas imaging parameters suitable for continuous imaging may be recorded,even when “Automatic” is selected as the scene selecting method, as when“Manual” is selected.

Fifth Embodiment

In as fifth embodiment of a digital camera 1 in accordance with theinvention, the digital camera may combine a plurality of existingimaging parameters to produce new imaging parameters, the user mayselect one or more of the existing imaging parameters and new imagingparameters, and the digital camera may perform imaging based on theselected imaging parameters. As in fourth embodiment, the presentembodiment relates to a digital camera structured so that the user canselect whether or not to use a continuous shooting function when imagingin the best-shot mode. The structure is identical to that shown in FIG.1, and the imaging parameter data 103 and appended information data 104are stored in the memory 11. Furthermore, a program is stored in thememory 11 to cause the CPU 9 to function as the first imaging controlsection, the second imaging control section, the selection controlsection, the generation section, and the imaging recording controlsection in the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the operation when the use of thecontinuous shooting function is selected in the best-shot mode in thedigital camera in the present embodiment.

When the use of the continuous shooting function is selected, the CPU 9of the digital camera 1 displays a scene selecting screen, including allof the imaging modes, and receives from the user, a selection of one ormore imaging scenes as the base scenes (Step S601). The CPU 9 thendetermines whether one or more base scenes have been selected (StepS602). If it is determined that a base scene has not been selected(S602: NO), then the CPU 9 returns the processing to Step S601. If it isdetermined that one or more base scenes has been selected (S602 YES),then the CPU 9 stores the selected base scenes in the DRAM 12 (StepS603), and retrieves imaging scenes that can be combined with all of theselected one or more base scenes (Step S604).

Of the imaging scenes that have been stored, those imaging scenes thathave imaging parameters that correspond to all of the one or more baseimaging scenes, and having corresponding imaging parameters with detailsthat do not overlap each other, will be retrieved. Thus, when, in theimaging parameters corresponding to the base scene, specific imagingparameter items such as the shutter speed are stipulated, those imagingscenes wherein, in the corresponding imaging parameters, the identicalimaging parameter item is not specified, or in other words, imagingscenes that have different critical points in the imaging parameters,are retrieved.

Next, the CPU 9 displays a scene selecting screen including only thosescenes that were retrieved and that can be combined, and receives thedesired imaging scene selection, from the user, as a composite scene tobe composited or joined with the one or more base scenes. The CPU 9 thendetermines whether a composite scene has been selected by the user (StepS606). If it is determined that a composite scene has not been selected(S606: NO), then the CPU 9 returns the processing to Step S605. If ithas been determined that a composite scene has been selected (S606:YES), then the CPU 9 generates new imaging parameters wherein theimaging parameters of the composite scene are added by compositing witheach of the corresponding imaging parameters for each of the base scenesindividually, wherein the new imaging parameters that are generated arestored in the DRAM 12 (Step S607). For example, if, as shown in FIG. 18,“Smoothes the flow of water” and “Stops water when splashing” areselected as the base scenes and “People” is selected as the compositescene, then two different sets of imaging parameters, corresponding tovirtual imaging scenes that have not actually been stored, those being“Smoothes the flow of water+People” and “Stops water whensplashing+People,” are generated as new sets of imaging parameters.

The CPU 9 then sets the imaging parameters corresponding to the one ormore base scenes and the newly generated imaging parameters as beingsubject to use at the respective times of imaging (Step S608). In theexample described above, a total of four sets of imaging parameters,i.e., the two sets of imaging parameters that correspond to the two basescenes and the two sets of imaging parameters that were newly created,are set as being subject to use at the time of imaging. At this time,scene numbers are stored for the imaging parameters corresponding to thebase scenes.

Thereafter, the CPU 9 starts the direct image display on the imagedisplay unit 14 (Step S609), switches to the imaging standby mode, anddetermines whether there has been an imaging instruction through theoperation of the shutter key (Step S610). If it is determined that thereis no imaging instruction (S610: NO), then the CPU 9 repeats the processin Step S610 until there is an imaging instruction. If it is determinedthat there has been an imaging instruction (S610: YES), then the CPU 9reads out the imaging parameters that are set to be used at that time,performs the imaging process in accordance therewith (Step S611), andthen stores the still image data obtained through imaging into the DRAM12 (Step S612).

The CPU 9 then determines whether imaging processes have been completedaccording to every one of the sets of imaging parameters that were setas subject to use (Step S613). If it is determined imaging processeshave not been completed in accordance with all of the imaging parametersthat have been set as subject to use (S613: NO), then the CPU 9 returnsthe processing to Step S611. Thus, the operations in Step S611 and S612are repeated until the imaging processes in accordance with all of theimaging parameters set as subject to use have been completed. Continuousimaging is performed with different imaging parameters for the samesubject. If it is determined that imaging processes have been completeda number of times according to the number of sets of imaging parametersthat have been set (S613: YES), then the CPU 9 stores, as respectivestill image files in the flash memory 13, the plurality of still imagedata that are stored in the DRAM 12, which are the individual stillimage data obtained by the imaging processes at the mutually differingimaging parameters (Step S614). This ends one imaging operation in thebest-shot mode.

With the camera as set forth in the present embodiment, as describedabove, when the use of the continuous shooting function in the best-shotmode is selected, continuous imaging is performed using each of a totalof at least three different sets of imaging parameters, those being thecombination of imaging parameters corresponding to the base scene andcomposite scene that were selected directly, and the new set of imagingparameters generated from the single combination of those imagingparameters. This is achieved by the user merely selecting two differentimaging scenes, as the base scene and the composite scene, prior to theimaging operation.

As a result, it is possible to easily obtain a plurality of imageswherein image qualities are varied in diverse ways, through theeffective use of various imaging modes that are prepared for single-shotimaging, through autobracketing imaging as set forth in the presenceembodiment. Additionally, it is possible to easily obtain a plurality ofimages that include images that apply new imaging parameters, whichcannot be obtained through performing normal still imaging multipletimes when simply changing the selected scenes without using thecontinuous shooting function in the best-shot mode, as opposed toobtaining images wherein, for example, only the brightness is varied ina stepwise manner, through conventional autobracketing imaging. Thus, itis possible to significantly enhance the ease of use when performingbracketing imaging.

While in the present embodiment, imaging was performed through theapplication of imaging parameters corresponding to the respective basescenes and composite scene that were selected directly by the user whenperforming continuous imaging in the best-shot mode, alternatively,imaging may be performed by applying the new imaging parameters alonewhen at least two imaging scenes are selected as base scenes. Forexample, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, imaging may beperformed by applying only the two new sets of imaging parameterscorresponding to the virtual imaging scenes of “Smoothes the flow ofwater+People” and “Stops water when splashing+People.”

Moreover, while in the present embodiment, it was explained that the newimaging parameters that are applied during continuous imaging aregenerated by selecting a plurality of imaging scenes by the user,divided into two different types, those being base scenes and compositescenes, and then compositing the imaging parameters on the compositescene side onto the imaging parameters on the base scene side,alternatively, the user may select three or more imaging scenes and newimaging parameters (for example: A+B+C) that composite all of the threeor more sets of imaging parameters (for example A, B, and C)corresponding to the selected scenes may be generated as the new imagingparameters to be applied during continuous imaging.

Even in this configuration, it is still possible to obtain a pluralityof images through continuous imaging by changing the image quality indiverse ways. Moreover, even when performing continuous imaging in thiscase, imaging may be performed by applying imaging parameterscorresponding to imaging scenes selected directly by the user as in thepresent embodiment, and imaging may be performed by applying the newlygenerated parameters alone.

Sixth Embodiment

In a sixth embodiment of a digital camera 1 in accordance with theinvention, the digital camera may be arranged such that, by the usermerely selecting an imaging scene, bracketing imaging is performed byvarying, in a stepwise manner, the set values for imaging parametersthat are applied to the imaging scene. As in the fourth embodiment, thepresent embodiment relates to a digital camera structured so that theuser can select whether or not to use a continuous shooting functionwhen imaging in the best-shot mode. Furthermore, although the structureis identical to that shown in FIG. 1, a program is stored in the memory11 to cause the CPU 9 to function as the first imaging control section,the selection control section, the change section, the third imagingcontrol section, and the imaging recording control section in thepresent invention. Furthermore, instead of the selection limitation data105, group data 106, and scene determination data 107, bracketing data108 having the content shown in FIG. 19 can be stored in the memory 11.

The bracketing data 108 is data corresponding to the respective imagingscenes stored in the digital camera, and includes the imaging parameterswherein the set values vary in a stepwise manner during continuousimaging in the best-shot mode (termed “adjustment parameters”),adjustment increments (adjustment amounts) that are the amounts ofchange in each cycle of each of the parameters that are adjusted duringcontinuous imaging, and the number of adjustments.

The adjustment parameters are determined in advance depending on thedetails of the corresponding imaging scenes, or in other words, theimaging parameters, and are specific imaging parameters for which thesettings are not automatic nor standard in the imaging parameter data103, as shown in FIG. 6. The specific set values for the adjustmentincrements are adjustment steps, such as one step or two steps, if thevalues that can be set are stepwise, such as when the imaging parameteris the shutter speed or the iris, or the adjustment strength for, forexample, image processing such as color emphasis, sharpness, edgeenhancement, or color filtering. The number of adjustments is the numberof times that the adjustment parameters are changed by the adjustmentincrements, which is a plural number of times in the present embodiment.

As in the fourth embodiment, the digital camera of the presentembodiment is also structured so that the user can select whether or notto use a continuous shooting function when imaging in the best-shotmode.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the digital camerawhen the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in thebest-shot mode in the sixth embodiment.

When the use of the continuous shooting function is selected, the CPU 9of the digital camera 1 displays a scene selecting screen, including allof the imaging modes, and receives from the user, a selection of thedesired imaging scenes as the base scenes (Step S701). The CPU 9 thendetermines whether an imaging scene has been selected by the user (StepS702). If it is determined that an imaging scene has not been selectedby the user (S702: NO), then the CPU 9 returns the processing to StepS701. If it is determined that one of the imaging scenes has beenselected by the user (S702: YES), then the CPU 9 first reads out thebracketing data 108 corresponding to the selected imaging scene (StepS703), calculates the initial value of the adjustment parameter based onthe adjustment amount and number of times the adjustment is to beperformed, and then sets the initial value for the adjustment parameter(Step S704). The initial value for the adjustment parameter is a valuesuch that the central value, when the adjustment parameter is changed bythe adjustment amount for the number of times that the adjustment is tobe performed, will be the set value that would be set automatically forthe adjustment parameter under AE control, AWB control, or the like.

Next, the CPU 9 performs the imaging process according to the imagingparameters that include the adjustment parameter (Step S705), and storesthe still image data obtained through imaging into the DRAM 12 (StepS706). The CPU 9 determines whether the number of imaging cycles is aspecific number of cycles that is one greater than the number ofadjustments to be performed for the adjustment parameter (Step S707). Ifit is determined that the number of imaging cycles is not a specificnumber of cycles that is one greater than the number of adjustmentcycles to be performed on the adjustment parameter (Step S707: NO), thenthe CPU 9 updates set value for the adjustment parameter to a value thatis changed by an amount equal to the adjustment increment, describedabove (Step S708), and the processing returns to Step S705. Thus, theoperations in Step S705 and S706 are repeated, after updating the setvalue for the adjustment parameter to a value changed by the adjustmentincrement, described above, until the number of imaging cycles is aspecific number of cycles that is one greater than the number ofadjustments cycles for the adjustment parameter. Continuous imaging isperformed with different imaging parameters for the same subject.

For example, if the imaging scene that is selected by the user prior toimaging is “Sports” or “Smoothes the flow of water,” then continuousimaging is performed as the shutter speed is varied in a stepwisemanner, and if the imaging scene is “Flowers,” then continuous imagingis performed as the color saturation is varied in a stepwise manner.Moreover, when the imaging scene is “People,” then if the skin tonecolor emphasis is varied in a stepwise manner during continuous imagingwhile, similarly, for “Makes greens look natural,” the green coloremphasis is varied in a stepwise manner, and for “Fall foliage,” it isthe red color emphasis that is varied in a stepwise manner.

Thereafter, if it is determined that the number of imaging cycles is aspecific number that is one greater than the number of adjustmentscycles for the adjustment parameter (S707: YES), then the CPU 9 stores,as respective still image files in the flash memory 13, the plurality ofstill image data that are stored in the DRAM 12, which are theindividual still image data obtained by the imaging processes at themutually differing imaging parameters (Step S709). This ends one imagingoperation in the best-shot mode.

As described above, in the digital camera as set forth in the presentembodiment, when the use of the continuous shooting function is selectedin the best-shot mode, it is possible to perform bracketing imaging byvarying, in a stepwise or incremental manner, the set value for animaging parameter that is applied to an imaging scene at that time bymerely selecting the subject to be imaged and selecting an imaging scenethat is the same as an imaging scene that includes the imagingenvironment at the time, or selecting a scene with an ambience asdesired, the same as in single-shot imaging, prior to the imagingoperation.

Moreover, since it is possible to perform bracketing imaging byselecting an imaging scene (imaging mode) that is provided forsingle-shot imaging, it is not necessary to prepare imaging modes forcontinuous shooting (bracketing imaging) separate from those for theimaging mode for single-shot imaging. This enables use of the sameimaging modes for both single-shot and continuous shooting.

Consequently, regardless of whether a user is knowledgeable regardingcameras and photography or not, the user will be able to utilize theautobracketing function effectively, which can significantly improve theease-of-use when performing bracketing imaging.

While in the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments described above, therewas an explanation of application of the present invention to a digitalcamera that is provided with a best-shot mode that displays a title, anexplanation, and a sample image for each imaging mode, as a screen forselecting the imaging modes, alternatively, the present invention can beapplied to a digital camera that is provided with a normal imaging modethat displays only an icon or name corresponding to an imaging mode forthe screen for selecting the imaging modes.

Finally, while in the embodiments described above, the descriptionsrelate to embodiments wherein the imaging apparatus is a digital camera1, the present invention is not limited to the examples described above,but rather the invention may be applied to mobile telephones withcameras, PDAs with cameras, PCs with cameras, digital video cameras, andthe other devices, insofar as it is a device that can perform continuousimaging of a subject.

Various examples and changes may be made thereunto without departingfrom the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The above-describedexample is intended to illustrate the present invention, not to limitthe scope of the present invention. The scope of the present inventionis shown by the attached claims rather than the example. Variousmodifications made within the meaning of an equivalent of the claims ofthe invention and within the claims are to be regarded to be in thescope of the present invention.

1. An imaging apparatus comprising: imaging sections for imaging asubject; a parameter storing section for storing a plurality of sets ofimaging parameters corresponding to a respective plurality of imagingscenes which are registered in advance; a selection control section forallowing a user to select any given imaging scene from the plurality ofimaging scenes; a constraining section for constraining, based on animaging scene that has already been selected, an imaging scene selectedby the user at a time of selecting at least a second imaging scene; afirst setting section for setting, as a plurality of sets of imagingparameters to be applied during continuous shooting imaging, a pluralityof sets of imaging parameters corresponding to a respective plurality ofimaging scenes selected by the user; continuous shooting controlsections for controlling the continuous shooting imaging, during whichthe plurality of sets of imaging parameters set by the first settingsection are applied; and a recording control section for controlling, ina recording section, recording of a plurality of still images obtainedby the imaging sections during the continuous shooting imagingcontrolled by the continuous shooting control sections.
 2. The imagingapparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first setting sectionsets, as a set of imaging parameters to be applied during single-shotimaging, a set of imaging parameters corresponding to a single imagingscene selected by the user.
 3. The imaging apparatus as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the respective plurality of imaging scenes are dividedinto a plurality of groups; wherein a plurality of sets of imagingparameters corresponding to the respective plurality of imaging scenesthat are divided into the plurality of groups are included in theplurality of sets of imaging parameters that are stored in the parameterstoring section; and wherein the imaging apparatus further comprises: agroup specifying section for specifying, as subject to use, one of theplurality of groups of imaging scenes; and a second setting section forsetting, as the plurality of sets of imaging parameters to be appliedduring the continuous shooting imaging controlled by the continuousshooting control sections, the plurality of sets of imaging parameterscorresponding to the respective plurality of imaging scenes included insaid one of the groups specified by the group specifying section.
 4. Theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a groupsetting section for setting, into a single group, a plurality of scenescorresponding to each of the plurality of sets of imaging parametersapplied during continuous shooting imaging controlled by the continuousshooting control sections.
 5. The imaging apparatus as set forth inclaim 3, wherein the group specifying section specifies, as subject touse, a group of imaging scenes containing any given imaging sceneselected by the user from the plurality of imaging scenes.
 6. Theimaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: ageneration section for generating new imaging parameters based on theplurality of sets of imaging parameters corresponding to the respectiveplurality of imaging scenes selected by the user; wherein the firstsetting section sets, as the plurality of sets of imaging parameters tobe applied during the continuous shooting imaging controlled by thecontinuous shooting control sections, the plurality of sets of imagingparameters corresponding to the respective plurality of imaging scenesselected by the user and the new imaging parameters generated by thegeneration section.
 7. The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 6,wherein: the selection control section enables the user to select, fromthe plurality of imaging scenes, an imaging scene to be a base scene andan imaging scene to be a compositing scene; and the generation sectiongenerates a new set of imaging parameters based on the set of imagingparameters corresponding to the imaging scene selected as the base sceneand the set of imaging parameters corresponding to the imaging sceneselected as the compositing scene.
 8. The imaging apparatus as set forthin claim 1, further comprising: an acquiring section for acquiring atleast one of (i) image information included in an image of a subjectimaged by the imaging sections and (ii) scene specifying informationincluding an imaging environment at a time of imaging the subject; asearch section for searching for a plurality of sets of imagingparameters from the plurality of sets of imaging parameters stored inthe imaging parameter storing section based on the scene specifyinginformation acquired by the acquiring section; and a third settingsection for setting, as the plurality of sets of imaging parameters tobe applied during the continuous shooting imaging controlled by thecontinuous shooting control sections, the plurality of sets of imagingparameters searched for by the search section.
 9. The imaging apparatusas set forth in claim 8, further comprising a parameter count controlsection for controlling a number of sets of imaging parameters set bythe third setting section to a number set in advance by the user. 10.The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: asample image storing section for storing a plurality of sample imagescorresponding respectively to the plurality of imaging scenes; and adisplay section for displaying at least one sample image stored by thesample image storing section; wherein the selection control sectioncontrols the display section to display the at least one sample image,and sets, as still imaging parameters controlled by the continuousshooting control sections, imaging parameters corresponding to a sampleimage selected by the user from the displayed sample images.
 11. Acontinuous shooting imaging method for an imaging apparatus whichcomprises imaging sections for imaging a subject and a parameter storingsection for storing a plurality of sets of imaging parameterscorresponding to a respective plurality of imaging scenes registered inadvance, the method comprising: allowing a user to select any givenimaging scene from the plurality of imaging scenes; constraining, basedon an imaging scene that has already been selected, an imaging sceneselected by the user at a time of selecting at least a second imagingscene; setting, as a plurality of sets of imaging parameters to beapplied during continuous shooting imaging, a plurality of sets ofimaging parameters corresponding to a respective plurality of imagingscenes selected by the user; controlling the continuous shootingimaging, during which the set plurality of sets of imaging parametersare applied; and controlling, in a recording section, recording of aplurality of still images obtained by the imaging sections during thecontinuous shooting imaging.
 12. A non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium having stored thereon a program that is executable byan imaging apparatus which comprises imaging sections for imaging asubject and a parameter storing section for storing a plurality of setsof imaging parameters corresponding to a respective plurality of imagingscenes registered in advance, the program controlling the imagingapparatus to perform functions comprising: allowing a user to select anygiven imaging scene from the plurality of imaging scenes; constraining,based on an imaging scene that has already been selected, an imagingscene selected by the user at a time of selecting at least a secondimaging scene; setting, as a plurality of sets of imaging parameters tobe applied during continuous shooting imaging, a plurality of sets ofimaging parameters corresponding to a respective plurality of imagingscenes selected by the user; controlling the continuous shootingimaging, during which the set plurality of sets of imaging parametersare applied; and controlling, in a recording section, recording of aplurality of still images obtained by the imaging sections during thecontinuous shooting imaging.